Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum Master StancesHard
A newly formed Development Team is struggling with self-management; they constantly look to the Scrum Master for task assignments and prioritization. The Scrum Master has already explained the concept of self-managing teams. What is the next best step for the Scrum Master?
- AAct as a Mentor, by providing a step-by-step guide on how other successful teams manage their tasks.
- BAssume the role of a Servant Leader, by taking over task assignments temporarily to ensure progress.
- CContinue as a Teacher, by providing more detailed lectures on self-management principles.
- DAdopt a Coach stance, by asking open-ended questions that encourage the team to make their own decisions.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Adopt a Coach stance, by asking open-ended questions that encourage the team to make their own decisions.
Since the concept has already been taught, the team needs to internalize and practice self-management. A Coach challenges the team through questions, encouraging them to discover solutions and make decisions independently, thereby fostering true self-organization rather than just knowledge transfer.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Mentoring provides solutions, which can hinder the team's own learning and self-discovery in becoming self-managing.
- B. Taking over tasks directly contradicts the goal of fostering self-management and creates dependency, not independence.
- C. More teaching after initial explanation is unlikely to change behavior; the team needs to *do*, not just hear more.
Scrum Master as Coach (Team)
The Scrum Master coaches the Development Team in self-organization and cross-functionality, helping them to focus on creating high-value Increments.
- Guides the team towards self-management and decision-making.
- Uses powerful questions to stimulate critical thinking.
- Helps the team identify and resolve their own challenges.
Memory trick: Coach the Team to Collaborate and Conquer.